Jersey City, N.J. – Saint Peter’s College commemorated World AIDS Day, an initiative of the World AIDS Campaign, on Monday, December 1, 2008, with a daylong program in the McIntyre Lounge on the College’s Jersey City campus. The program was designed to help people learn and understand more about AIDS, and to offer suggestions for assisting those suffering from the deadly disease.
At 10:00 a.m., a person living with HIV spoke about the daily challenges faced by those living with the virus. At 11:00 a.m., Robert Sproul, professor of social issues from Ramapo College gave a presentation titled, "A History of the Pandemic."
At noon, a luncheon fundraiser, with all proceeds benefiting HIV and AIDS charities, was held.
At 1:00 p.m., Saint Peter’s College alumna Elizabeth Reavey, class of 2007, presented, "A Catholic Student’s Response to HIV/AIDS," and discuss her work at the Nyumbani Orphanage in Kenya, founded by Angelo D’Agostino, S.J.
Now in its twentieth year, World AIDS Day joins individuals and organizations from around the world to bring attention to the global AIDS epidemic. World AIDS Day continues to be the focus of global solidarity for a pandemic that has led to over 25 million deaths, with an estimated 33 million people currently living with HIV worldwide.
The World AIDS Campaign supports, strengthens and connects campaigns that hold leaders accountable for their promises regarding HIV and AIDS.
Saint Peter’s College, founded in 1872, is a Jesuit, Catholic college in the liberal arts tradition located in the heart of Jersey City, N.J., with a branch campus in Englewood Cliffs, N.J., and course offerings on the Jersey City Waterfront and at various corporate sites throughout New Jersey. Educating over 3,000 undergraduate and graduate students in more than 50 programs, Saint Peter’s College is committed to academic excellence and individual attention, preparing students for a lifetime of learning, leadership and service in a diverse and global society.